Los Angeles Rams NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Several Rams' corners — Ahkello Witherspoon, Decobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, and A.J. Green — are scheduled for free agency after the upcoming season. Despite tearing his ACL in January, Tennessee's All-SEC corner has the size, speed and ball skills (four interceptions, 13 passes defended in 2024) to still be the CB1 in this draft class. McCoy is also one of the youngest prospects in this draft class who won't turn 21 until four months after the 2026 NFL Draft.

While Barber starts at left tackle for the Gators, he has some experience on the right side as well. With Alaric Jackson at left tackle, the athletic tackle could at least take over for right tackle Rob Havenstein, who is scheduled to become a free agent after the upcoming season.

The Rams secured a second first-round pick as part of their trade with the Falcons, who moved back into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select James Pearce Jr. at No. 26 overall. Matthew Stafford is the present, but the 'Will he, won't he?' retirement rumors will annually persist until he does call it a career. Nussmeier has a strong arm and had been playing at a high level during portions of last season. The Tigers loaded up with pass catchers and are looking to push the ball downfield. Nussmeier is the son of the Saints offensive coordinator.

Jahdae Barron and Andrew Mukuba set the tone for that Longhorns secondary and both will now be paid to do the same in the NFL. It is Muhammad's unit now. He has good size, but it would be nice if that translated to more ball production this season.

Here's Matthew Stafford's heir apparent. Stafford will turn 38 before the 2026 season, so this is a great spot for the Rams to pick Nussmeier, whose 79.1 QBR ranked 11th in the FBS in 2024. Nussmeier's arm is more flexible than powerful, and his anticipation skills result in some of the most exciting throws I've seen on tape. Interceptions are an issue -- he threw multiple picks in four games last season -- but he could be a first-round pick if he cleans those up.

After trading up for their future QB earlier in this mock draft, the Rams can use this pick on the successor for right tackle Rob Havenstein, who will be 33 and a free agent in 2026. Lomu's game centers on his power profile and wide body, which he uses to generate movement at the point of attack. He could still add weight to his frame (6-6, 304 pounds) and is expected to make a major leap in his second college season. His playing style, build and progression are reminiscent of Colts left tackle Bernhard Raimann.

The Rams traded back in Round 1 this year in order to stock up in case aging QB Matthew Stafford tries to hold the franchise ransom and demand a trade again next offseason. The son of QB Coach and former Dallas Cowboys backup Doug Nussmeier, Garrett (6-2, 200 pounds) is a polished pocket passer who posted a superb 83rd percentile offensive grade without the benefit of play-action last year, the top mark among returning FBS signal callers.

The Rams need a succession plan to rapidly-aging Davante Adams and Tate (6-3, 191 pounds) is a prototype X receiver poised to breakout as the WR2 for the National Champion Buckeyes.

The Oregon State Beavers transfer didn't look out of place as one of the best corners in the SEC (four interceptions), and a key member of a College Football Playoff team. He should test off the charts at the combine and the fact that he'll be tested more in 2025 after the departure of some of the Vols pass rushers could further enhance his stock as the potential CB1 in the draft.

The Rams have a pair of first-round picks and could trade up to find Matthew Stafford's successor. The hunch remains they'll try to keep this window open right away. In Fano, they could land a plug-and-play right tackle replacement for Rob Havenstein who would be a nice fit for Sean McVay's scheme.

After playing his freshman season at Oregon State, McCoy enjoyed a breakout sophomore season after transferring to the Volunteers (13 passes defended and four interceptions). His ball instincts consistently stood out when I studied Tennessee's defense last season.

The fifth quarterback drafted in this mock, Mendoza was a pleasant surprise when watching the Cal offense this past season. He transferred to Indiana in the offseason, and it will be interesting to track his progress under Curt Cignetti.

Before trading out of the first round entirely, the Rams reportedly explored moving up for Tetairoa McMillan, so clearly the club is looking for reinforcements at receiver, even after signing Davante Adams in free agency. Possessing a frame and game like both of the aforementioned pass-catchers, Boston is among this year's best receivers at tracking deep balls over his shoulder and winning above the rim. He caught nine touchdowns in a breakout 2024 campaign and scouts are expecting many more this season.

The Rams appear set at quarterback with Matthew Stafford returning, but GM Les Snead is too savvy to allow a talented young signal-caller to slip by with his starter taking things year by year. Nussmeier isn't the flashiest quarterback — possessing less than ideal size and arm strength — but he is a natural passer, showing the anticipation, accuracy and awareness of bodies around him in the pocket to project as a future NFL starter.

Patience could pay off for Los Angeles, as the Rams can reap the rewards of this year's trade back with the Falcons by landing a player who could reshape their secondary. The jump from Oregon State to Tennessee didn't prove to be too much for McCoy to handle, as the 6-0, 193-pounder snared four interceptions and earned second-team All-American honors after locking down the Southeastern Conference. His placement here could be precarious after he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in January, but if he's able to bounce back and return to action, he would have a strong case to be the first cornerback selected next year.

Maybe this seems like a stretch for a team that reached an accord with Matthew Stafford this offseason and now is operating at least somewhat on the veteran's timeline. But even though Sellers is far from a finished product as a passer, the 6-3, 242-pound dual-threat option offers immensely tantalizing growth potential that could be harnessed if he is allowed to sit and learn behind Stafford before ascending to the top spot.